Two Third Graders Honored for Efforts in Coat Drive

From Rockland County Legislature: Two third graders who decided to do something about keeping their neighbors warm this winter have been recognized for their service by the Rockland County Legislature.

Legislative Majority Leader Aney Paul (D-Nanuet) and Deputy Majority Leader Alden H. Wolfe (D-Montebello) praised the efforts of Alexa Hough and Sofia Coppola during a ceremony Tuesday. They were joined by Legislature Chairman Toney L. Earl (D-Hillcrest), who also saluted the students’ contributions.

Alexa and Sofia collected dozens of new and gently-used coats and other warm clothing after learning about a winter coat drive being conducted by Legislators Paul and Wolfe.

“I really thank everyone who donated, most especially Alexa and Sofia,” Legislator Paul said. “These young ladies are role models for all of us. They saw there was a need and they responded in a kind and caring way. The donations represent an important action on the part of our overall community because they tell our struggling neighbors that they are not forgotten.”

Paul and Wolfe launched their drive just after Thanksgiving weekend; it concluded Dec. 31. Members of the public dropped off bags of donations, or sometimes just an item or two at a time.

The drive was boosted by the donations collected by Alexa and Sofia, who attend third grade at Link Elementary School. The girls worked hard, visiting every classroom and talking to students and teachers about the drive. They also made fliers and a collection box. They delivered more than a dozen bags to the Legislature’s offices.

All donations were turned over to People to People, Rockland’s largest food pantry. The nonprofit agency also provides school supplies; holiday gifts for children; and clothing for newborns, school children, professionals seeking jobs and others. It helps nearly 14,000 Rockland households annually.

“This is a shining example of the difference Rockland County residents can make just by donating a coat or other warm clothing they are no longer using,” Legislator Wolfe said. “We could not have done this without Alexa and Sofia and we’re so proud of them. What they’ve proven is that it doesn’t matter how old you are, two people can make a tremendous difference for a lot of families.”

Photo courtesy of Rockland County Legislature ((Left to right) Legislators Alden H. Wolfe, Aney Paul and Toney L. Earl honored students Alexa Hough and Sofia Coppola for their donations of winter coats and clothing to help keep our neighbors warm.)